UConn fires Pasqualoni, Weist named interim head coach

Day Staff Reports

UConn Director of Athletics Warde Manuel announced Monday afternoon that T.J. Weist will serve as interim head football coach for the remainder of the 2013 season.

Weist is in his first year as a member of the Husky coaching staff as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. He replaces Paul Pasqualoni, who was fired earlier in the day.

"I am very pleased to elevate T.J. to our interim head coaching position,” Manuel said. "T.J. will bring energy and enthusiasm to our football team as we embark on our American Athletic Conference schedule. T.J. will provide stability to our football student-athletes during this time of transition and will also effectively oversee all elements of our football program including game preparation, classroom success and recruiting."

Weist is a 25-year veteran of the coaching profession who most recently served as the wide receivers coach at Cincinnati. He's mentored over 16 NFL receivers, and was also the Bearcats recruiting coordinator in 2011. During his time with the Bearcats, Cincinnati won a two Big East Championships.

Pasqualoni was fired in his third season at UConn (0-4), two days after a 41-12 loss at Buffalo. He went 10-18 with the Huskies.

"I am making this change in our football coaching staff now as we approach the conference season to see an improved performance from our football program," Manuel said in a statement.

The school said it will pay Pasqualoni $750,000 to buy out his contract.